More than 2.5 million people are multidimensionally poor in Province 2, representing 35% of all poor Nepalis according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) released by the Nepali Government.

Unlike traditional poverty rates which look at monetary indicators, the Multidimensional Poverty Index looks at ten indicators, including child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, nutrition, cooking fuel, improved sanitation, improved drinking water, electricity, asset ownership and flooring and roofing. If a Nepali is deprived in at least three of these areas, then she/he is considered poor.

Nepal’s Multidimensional Poverty Index is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Overall, 28.6% of Nepal’s population is multidimensionally poor.

According to the report: “Provinces 6 and 2 have the highest rate of multidimensional poverty – with every second person being multidimensionally poor (50%) – followed by Provinces 5 and 7 (approximately 30%).”

Province 2 has the highest percentage of illiterate men and women in Nepal.

One-third of men aged 6 or over in Province 2 haven’t received any education.

More than half of women aged 6 or over in Province 2 haven’t received any education.

Spousal violence is the highest in Province 2.

One in three women in the Terai reported spousal violence. Women in Province 2 (37%) are most likely to experience spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence in Nepal.

Women living in “Province 2 (33%) and Province 7 (34%) are most likely to have attitudes justifying wife beating under any one specific circumstance.”

What do you think? Are you surprised? What can be done to improve the status of province 2?